SEATTLE (TIP): Seattle has become the first US city to add caste discrimination to its non-discrimination policy, two years after Indian-American counselor Kshama Sawant on Tuesday , February 21 successfully quarterbacked a resolution through the Seattle city council to outlaw caste discrimination.
The resolution moved by Sawant was approved by the Seattle City Council by six to one vote. Two council members were absent during the voting. “This bill is not technically complicated, it’s a very simple question: Should discrimination based on caste be allowed to continue in Seattle?” noted Sawant.
In a 6-1 vote on Tuesday, February 21st, Seattle City Council voted to add caste as a protected category in Seattle. The City Council made history by making the city the first in the US to ban caste discrimination. Councilmember Kshama Sawant introduced the ordinance earlier this year to add caste to the city’s anti-discrimination laws. As a Hindu American organization whose members and leadership come from diverse caste backgrounds, Hindus for Human Rights congratulates Councilmember Sawant and the coalition of organizations that fought to achieve this win.
As progressive Hindus, it is our duty to dismantle caste and fight caste discrimination. To this end, Hindus for Human Rights Board Members, Staff, and Community Members provided public comment and endorsement of the caste protection ordinance:
Sravya Tadepalli: I am a proud Hindu and board member of Hindus for Human Rights, a nonprofit that works to combat Hindu nationalism and caste from a Hindu faith perspective. As a Hindu, our most important belief is that God is present in every human being, and we must work to protect that equality. This law would ensure that every individual is treated equally under the law, regardless of their caste. I urge you, as a Hindu, to vote YES on the bill to ban caste discrimination. – Councilmember Sawant referenced Sravya’s quote in her testimony on Tuesday!
Raju Rajagopal: I am Raju Rajagopal and I represent Hindus for Human Rights, which strongly supports this ordinance. We disagree with claims that this ordinance will “mainstream hate against the South Asian community” and that existing laws are adequate. Let’s remember history: We heard many similar claims during the 60’s debate that the Civil Rights legislation would unfairly target all White people. The issue of caste discrimination is no more complex than race and gender discrimination for those who have the resolve to fight it. We join caste-oppressed communities in urging the Council to unanimously pass this historic resolution without any delay.
Ria Chakrabarty: On behalf of Hindus for Human Rights, I urge the City Council to unanimously vote yes on Councilmember Sawant’s caste discrimination ordinance without delay. This ordinance will not discriminate against Hindu Americans and this narrative by far right, upper-caste organizations like the VHPA intentionally and violently erases the many Hindus who experience casteism. Instead, the OCR will be able to help residents pursue justice when they experience caste-based discrimination. HfHR urges you to listen to our Dalit and Adivasi siblings and vote yes on this resolution without delay.
Sathvik Nair: Respected Seattle city council members, I urge you to vote YES on the ordinance to ban caste discrimination. I am a caste privileged Hindu male with Hindus for Human Rights. Since I’ve seen caste discrimination in a tech workplace and even among my US-born peers, I am worried that we are using the excuse of the complexity of caste to prevent concrete actions that will explicitly implement protections against caste discrimination. Casteism is no more complex than racial or gender-based discrimination. City Councilmembers should be very familiar with the issue after having heard many heart- wrenching stories and testimonies directly from caste-oppressed people. The argument of complexity is often employed by opponents of social justice to try and cloud real issues, create doubt, and resist progressive measures that aim to address oppressive systems. If you truly believe in Seattle’s vision as a progressive city, you will vote YES on the measure.